Maryland Truck Driver Phone Law
The federal 392.82 hand-held ban already applies to you here, so hands-free is your only legal option regardless of state law. Maryland bars all drivers from using a handheld phone while driving (Md. Transp. §21-1124.2), primary enforcement, at roughly $83 first, $140 second, $160 third. No state points unless it causes a crash. Jake's Law adds criminal penalties if distracted driving causes death or serious injury, so your exposure here goes past a fine.
The federal ban applies here first
Federal law rides with your CDL in every state. FMCSA 49 CFR 392.82 bans all hand-held phone use while driving a CMV: no holding it to talk, no dialing more than a single button, no reaching for the phone out of your belted seat. A separate rule (49 CFR 392.80) bans texting and manual data entry. Only hands-free counts as compliant (mounted or in close reach, one-touch or voice, no reaching), and the only exception is calling 911. "Driving" includes sitting at a red light or stuck in traffic; you are clear only once fully off the road and stopped. Penalties run up to $2,750 for the driver and $11,000 for the carrier. It is a CSA serious violation: two convictions in any 3-year period disqualify your CDL for 60 days, three or more for 120 days (49 CFR 383.51).
Maryland’s rule for all drivers
The federal 392.82 hand-held ban already applies to you here, so hands-free is your only legal option regardless of state law. Maryland bars all drivers from using a handheld phone while driving (Md. Transp. §21-1124.2), primary enforcement, at roughly $83 first, $140 second, $160 third. No state points unless it causes a crash. Jake's Law adds criminal penalties if distracted driving causes death or serious injury, so your exposure here goes past a fine.
- Hand-held: Hand-held ban — all drivers
- Texting: Texting banned for all drivers, primary enforcement (Md. Transp. §21-1124.1).
- Fine: Up to $75 first / $125 second / $175 third by statute; commonly paid at about $83 / $140 / $160 with court costs. A first-time fine can be waived if you show the court proof you bought a hands-free accessory.
- Points: No state points unless the offense contributes to a crash. Federally, a 392.82 conviction is a CSA serious violation: 2 in 3 years disqualify your CDL for 60 days. Jake's Law can add jail time if distraction causes death or serious injury.
Maryland Truck Phone Law FAQ
Can truck drivers use a phone in Maryland?
What is the phone fine in Maryland?
Is texting while driving illegal in Maryland?
Reference information for planning, not legal advice. Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it. Last reviewed July 2026. Source: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gtr§ion=21-1124.2. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
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